A total of 14 residents brought more mixed reaction last night to the Bethlehem Area School Board's proposed $46.1-million budget and its accompanying 5.8-mill real estate tax increase for 1986-87.

The final budget hearing also contained a ray of hope from Business Administrator A. Wilson Woolf that the budget may benefit from a "bonus budget" being devised by Gov. Dick Thornburgh's administration, which will provide more state aid to local districts.

The problem is that no one knows how much help will be coming or when. Woolf said he doesn't expect to have information before Monday night, when the school board has scheduled a tentative-approval vote. But he said he hopes some figures will be in hand before the adoption vote in June.

Board President John F. Spirk Sr. urged all taxpayers to call their legislators and "tell a friend" to call, too. He said state officials will have to act soon if Bethlehem is going to be able to adjust its budget. Woolf said he thinks it is unfortunate that the state is considering lowering its tax rate at a time when it still is not "holding up its share" of the public education burden.

Iris Cintron, speaking on behalf of the Council of Spanish Speaking Organizations, criticized the budget proposal because it does not call for filling the vacant post of coordinator of bilingual and minority group education.

He said about 66 percent of the Hispanic students attending Liberty High School are failing at least one course and that these are in the mainstream, not the bilingual program. She said Hispanic students in the mainstream have poor attendance records, while those in the bilingual program do well.

She said the council has heard complaints of "faculty belittling students for their ethnic background," and heard of one case in which an elementary student was locked in a closet because he or she spoke Spanish to fellow students. She said a person's cultural heritage should be valued.

Cintron said placement of students recommended by the minority-education office is not always honored. She said she was not placing all the blame on the district, because there are problems in the community. But, she said, "There really is no reason why 66 percent of any group should be failing."

She said the situation demands an assessment and insisted, "We need bilingual supervisors in the program. We need an office where a Hispanic parent can find a helping hand."

Margaret Edris, one of the nineschool board members, and Acting Superintendent Thomas J. Doluisio questioned her about the accusation that a student was locked in a closet. "I'd like to know where and when. This is the first I've heard about it," said Doluisio. He asked Cintron to try to establish the facts and talk to him about today.

Lynn Glancy of Bethlehem said he was concerned about proposed staff cuts, especially the creation of a situation where one principal must supervise two buildings. He said last year's dual principalship created problems, though luckily they were not serious ones. He said the litigation arising from the injury of one child in a building where supervision is reduced could be more costly than the cost saved by reducing a principal position. He said the foundation for quality education is laid in the elementary school.

James Largay, another parent, urged preservation of the high school department supervisors. Although still in the budget, the positions have come under attack from some board members. Speaking from his experience as a college teacher, he said supervision is needed badly. He said both colleges and school districts can make mistakes in hiring faculty members.

Ann Williams, a mother with two children in the district, said she is pleased with the quality of education and concerned about the direction the school board seems to be taking. "You blow my mind. We're not back 30 years ago," she said, referring to prior discussions at the board table about potential budget cuts.

She asked directors to consider the children in evaluating the budget. "They're your future, too. Be very cautious about your cuts," she said.

Revelly Paul, speaking for a 120-member organization concerned about education for gifted children, said no parent in her group has ever complained about school taxes, regardless of the family's income. For those living on retirement or fixed incomes, she suggested the officials increase awareness of tax relief opportunities that are available.

She opposed dual principalships and supervisory cuts because they would lower the quality of the district's service. "You must get us through this crisis with our integrity intact," she said.

Rodney Apple, a West Bethlehem resident, called the middle school program "one of the bright spots in the district" and implored board members, "Don't mess up the whole system" by cutting teaching-team leaders or resource teachers.

Vito Bianco of Bethlehem criticized the tax increase and fiscal picture. "Do the teachers' contract one year at a time. We don't want to get stuck again," he said, referring to the three-year pact due to expire in the summer of 1987. He questioned how a district "with no money" can afford to give a principal a $5,000 raise.

Harold Derr said the Allentown School District is budgeting $53.3 million with 13,300 students, compared with Bethlehem's proposal for $46.1 million with 10,300 students. "Maybe we ought to go ask them how they do it," he said.

"Bethlehem is called the Christmas City. Stop playing Santa Claus with the taxpayers' money," he said.

Paul Saunders of Hanover Township (Northampton County) said he has heard the "sneers" from board members regarding computers in the classroom. He said he works for "a high-tech company" that is in competition with the Japanese. "Don't become ostriches. The battle with Japan won't be won by destroying high-tech education. . . . Computers will be separating the winning and losing countries. Let us make Bethlehem children the winners," he said.